Chapter 9, Problem 9.43AP

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The nuclear reaction equation for decay of Thorium-232 by an alpha emission has to be given.

Concept Introduction:

Alpha decay reaction:

An alpha particle is a high energy particle that contains two protons and two neutrons.  An alpha particle is symbolized by the Greek letter alpha or the element symbol for helium has $\text{+2}$ charge and mass number of four.  If an alpha particle is emitted the mass of the nucleus decreased by four and the charge of the nucleus is decreased by two.

  ${{}_{\text{Z}}}^{\text{A}}\text{X}{\stackrel{}{\to }}_{\text{Z-2}}{}^{\text{A-4}}{\text{X+}}_{\text{2}}{}^{\text{4}}\text{α}$

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The nuclear reaction equation for decay of Sodium-25 by beta emission has to be given.

Concept Introduction:

Beta emission reaction:

Beta particles are electrons (electrons with negative electric charge). Beta decay occurs when in a nucleus with too many protons or too many neutrons, one of the protons or neutrons is transformed into the other.

  ${{}_{\text{Z}}}^{\text{A}}\text{X}{\stackrel{}{\to }}_{\text{Z+1}}{}^{\text{A}}{\text{X+}}_{\text{-1}}{}^{\text{0}}\text{e}$

(c)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The nuclear reaction equation for decay of Xenon-118 by positron emission has to be given.

Concept Introduction:

Positron emission reaction:

Positron particles are electrons with positive electric charge. Positron decay occurs when in a nucleus with too many protons or too many neutrons, one of the protons or neutrons is transformed into the other.

  ${{}_{\text{Z}}}^{\text{A}}\text{X}{\stackrel{}{\to }}_{\text{Z-1}}{}^{\text{A}}{\text{X+}}_{\text{+1}}{}^{\text{0}}\text{e}$

(d)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The nuclear reaction equation for decay of Curium-243 by an alpha emission has to be given.

Concept Introduction:

Refer to part (a).